Ep 4. Birth of An Empire

In Temples, Tombs and Mummies season 1 episode 4 titled "Birth of An Empire," the focus is on the rise of one of ancient Egypt's most powerful dynasties, the New Kingdom. Hosted by historian Dominic Perry-Smith, the episode explores the political and religious changes that led to this dramatic shift in power.

The episode begins by showing some of the famous temples and tomb sites from the later period of the Old Kingdom, such as the pyramid of Khufu and the Great Sphinx. Perry-Smith describes how this period was marked by relative stability and prosperity, but also by rigid social hierarchies and a dominant priestly class.

As the Old Kingdom era drew to a close, however, Egypt began to experience political and social upheaval. The central government lost control as local rulers gained more power, and the priesthood became increasingly corrupt. This chaos paved the way for a new era of pharaohs to emerge.

Perry-Smith explains how the first pharaohs of the New Kingdom, such as Ahmose I, had to assert their control over a fractured and unstable land. They did so through military might, but also by co-opting the power of the priests and building grandiose temples to honor the gods.

The episode showcases some of these temples, such as the Karnak Temple in Luxor, and highlights the role of the priests in maintaining Egypt's religious traditions. Perry-Smith also describes the importance of the pharaohs' link to the divine, as they were seen as the intermediaries between the gods and the people.

The episode then shifts its focus to the military campaigns of the New Kingdom pharaohs, who sought to expand Egypt's borders and cement their power. Perry-Smith describes some of the most famous pharaohs of this era, such as Thutmose III, who conquered vast territories in the Near East, and Hatshepsut, who famously ruled as a female pharaoh.

In addition to military conquests, the New Kingdom was also characterized by artistic and cultural flourishing. The episode shows examples of elaborate tomb paintings and sculptures, and Perry-Smith notes how these works of art were used to reinforce the pharaohs' divine status and to depict their military triumphs.

Finally, the episode explores the end of the New Kingdom era and the decline of Egypt's power. Perry-Smith describes how the pharaohs' excessive spending on grandiose projects, as well as internal power struggles, weakened Egypt's hold on its territories. The episode ends with a glimpse of some of the iconic tomb sites, such as that of Tutankhamun, that were constructed during this period of decline.

Overall, Temples, Tombs and Mummies season 1 episode 4 provides a comprehensive overview of the New Kingdom era of ancient Egypt and the factors that led to its rise and eventual decline. Perry-Smith's engaging narration and stunning visuals of Egypt's iconic sites make this episode a must-watch for any history buff or traveler interested in Egyptology.